Seattle officials will impose felony charges and $100,000 fines on drone operators violating restrictions at World Cup venues.
As of June 9, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration has established temporary flight restrictions that designate Lumen Field and surrounding areas as No Drone Zones during FIFA World Cup 2026 events. The venue is scheduled to host matches on June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1, and 6. Enforcement involves the FBI and FAA personnel who will confiscate any drones detected inside restricted airspace. Violations trigger the FAA's DETER initiative, which authorizes immediate arrests when operators breach the temporary flight restrictions.
Civil penalties reach $75,000 per violation while criminal fines can hit $100,000. Federal prosecutors may pursue misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances of each incident.
We most certainly will be confiscating drones that are in violation of TFR in connection with FIFA and that could be federal misdemeanors or even felony violations.
Special Agent Herrington of FBI Seattle outlined the enforcement posture during a June briefing with local security partners.
Basically says you're not allowed to fly a drone in those locations at those times... If somebody violates the temporary flight restriction TFR at any time but particularly in relation with FIFA there can and will be steep penalties for doing that.
Special Agent Herrington stressed that the restrictions apply uniformly across all listed match dates and any associated fan events near the stadium. Security teams have previously documented 30 unauthorized drone flights in the Lumen Field vicinity during major events, providing operational data that shaped the current TFR boundaries and response protocols. Drone operators must consult current FAA notices before any flight within 30 nautical miles of the venue on match days. Failure to comply exposes both recreational and commercial pilots to asset seizure and federal prosecution. The measures ensure safe operations throughout the tournament period with coordinated agency support.
